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What is the difference between governing law and jurisdiction?TL;DR: The issue of “governing law” means, which state’s law will be applied to decide the substantive issues? And the issue of “jurisdiction” means, which state’s courts have the right to hear the case? These are two related but very different issues.Thank you for the interesting question. With all respect for Mr. Bruce’s answer — which is quite correct, as far as it goes — this contrast is more pertinent in civil cases, rather than criminal ones. That is because most jurisdictions only apply their own criminal law, both procedural and substantive, and most only exercise jurisdiction over crimes that occur within their own territory (with rare exceptions).In civil disputes, however, the contrast is important because the modern concept of jurisprudence allows a multiplicity of “long arm” jurisdictional statutes in civil cases, asserting the right of the State to adjudicate disputes which have at least some rational connection to the forum state, even if the transaction or occurrence did not occur there.For instance, a tort claim (car crash, plane crash, etc.) can be pursued (A) where the crash occurred, (B) where the individual defendants reside or work, or (C) where a corporate defendant has its principal place of business OR was formally incorporated. Each state’s statute governing the jurisdictional scope of its courts will include a specific applicable jurisdictional statute that may differ slightly from that general template.As an example of a multi-state tort, consider how often cars from different states intermix on a major trunk expressway such as US Interstate 95 which runs from the southern tip of Florida, into Maine, passing through all the states of the US Eastern Seaboard along the way. A given car crash may involve drivers, vehicle owners, and passengers, from Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, DC, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and so on. And it may involve a truck owned by a company headquartered somewhere in the Midwest or South or Far West, employing a driver who lives virtually anywhere, since long-haul truck drivers often drive all over the country.These cases involving multi-state or even international parties raise two related but very different issues regarding how, and where, the case can proceed.The question of jurisdiction has two sub-issues. It means, first, does the forum court which the injured victim plaintiff chose (the plaintiff does get to choose where to bring suit, among the available options) have the right to hear the case (subject matter jurisdiction), AND, second, does that court have the right to compel a given defendant to participate in the trial and/or to issue a binding judgment against him if he has been properly served with legal process yet fails to appear (jurisdiction over the person). Usually a given defendant can be sued only where that defendant resides or works OR is actually found at the time a summons is issued to him; OR in the jurisdiction where the tort occurred.It can get complicated, but usually there is at least one, single, forum jurisdiction which has the power and authority to hear the case AND to bind ALL of the necessary defendants, even if they live in different parts of the country, or different parts of the world. Typically, in tort cases, the state where the crash occurred (or the federal court corresponding to that district) has both subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction over all of the defendants.But, even after a forum state or federal court has been chosen and has been determined to have proper jurisdiction to hear the case and bind all defendants, that does not answer the question of what state’s law should they apply.In other words, just because a forum in a given state is the one chosen to hear a case, that does not mean this court will apply its own substantive law. (However, that is the default option, unless one of the parties formally asks the court to apply some other state’s law, and supplies the court with the law they want to apply, and gives the other side an opportunity to argue the issue. Also, every forum typically applies its own procedural laws.)A rational and fair legal system, in a global economy or even a national one where people and businesses travel and communicate and do business freely across jurisdictional boundaries, should ideally be set up so that the applicable law, and the outcome of a given case, will be relatively consistent across different possible forums to hear that case, depending ONLY on the relevant facts of the case, and not on the choice of forum. (This improves predictability of the outcome of any given case; businesses in particular like predictability since it helps them plan and allocate their risks, decide in which jurisdictions they are willing to do business, and insure themselves appropriately.)To achieve this healthy goal, though, different states’ courts use different rules to pick what state’s law to apply, in a multi-state tort.The simplest such rule is to apply the law of the place where the tort occurred, or as it is called in law-Latin, lex loci delicti.Only a few US states today still retain such a rule — mostly clustered in that mid-Atlantic Seaboard region we’ve been talking about for our multi-car Interstate pileup: Virginia, DC, Maryland, Delaware.Conflict of Laws - Cornell Univ. Legal Information InstituteThe more modern choice-of-law rule is to apply the law of the state most interested in the outcome of that particular issue to decide each issue in the case.In a breach-of-contract case, the usual modern rule is to apply the law of the place where the contract was entered, OR the law of the place where it was to be performed, whichever has the strongest interest in the outcome. Of course, in a contract case the parties have the power, in drafting the contract itself, to specify which jurisdiction’s law will be applied to the substantive issues (in a “choice-of-law” or “governing law” clause), AND separately have the right to specify and limit which state’s forums will hve the right to hear the case (in a “forum clause”).Two related issues that sometimes come up are the interaction between federal and state law on choice-of-law rules, and the possibility that some pre-emptive federal statute provides the “governing law” regardless of where the crash occurred and regardless of what forum hears the case.On choice-of-law rules, the Erie Railroad case requires that federal district courts hearing tort claims under their limited “diversity of citizenship” jurisdiction, must apply the substantive law of the forum state to the case. However, that “substantive law” includes the forum state’s choice-of-law rules. If the forum state follows the lex loci delicti rule, then the federal court applies the law of the place where the crash occurred, even if that was in a different state than where the federal court is sitting. And if the forum state follows the interest-analysis rule, the federal court must follow that rule, and apply the law of the state that is determined to have the strongest interest in resolving a given issue.Erie Doctrine - Civil ProcedureIsn’t this fun? It sure is!

Look at the Spanish Legion.Spanish LegionThis article is about the Spanish Foreign Legion. For other uses, see Spanish Legion (disambiguation).(September 2011)(Learn how and when to remove this template message)Legión EspañolaBadge of the Spanish LegionFounded28 January 1920; 99 years agoCountrySpainAllegianceGod, King, SpainBranchArmyTypeInfantryRoleShock combatSize8,000Garrison/HQRonda (Malaga)Viator (Almeria)Melilla, Ceuta.Nickname(s)Novios de la muerte (Grooms of Death)Motto(s)Legionarios a luchar. Legionarios a morir! (Legionnaires, to fight. Legionnaires, to die!)MarchCanción Del Legionario(Official Quick march),Tercios Heroicos,Novio de la Muerte(Official hymn and slow march)Anniversaries20 SeptemberEngagementsRif WarSpanish Civil WarIfni WarWestern Sahara conflict (1970-75)Yugoslav WarsAfghanistanIraqOperation Libre Hidalgo UNIFILMilitary intervention against ISIL in IraqCommandersNotablecommandersJosé Millán-AstrayFrancisco FrancoCeuta Garrison of the legionCeuta Garrison of the legionThe legion on parade105mm L118 light gun of the Legion Artillery GroupThe Spanish flagThe Spanish Legion (Spanish: Legión Española, La Legión), informally known as the Tercio or the Tercios, is a unit of the Spanish Army and Spain's Rapid Reaction Force. It was raised in the 1920s to serve as part of Spain's Army of Africa. The unit, which was established in January 1920 as the Spanish equivalent of the French Foreign Legion, was initially known as the Tercio de Extranjeros ("Tercio of foreigners"), the name under which it began fighting in the Rif War of 1920–1926. Although it recruited some foreigners mostly from Spanish-speaking nations, it recruited predominantly from Spaniards. As a result, and since it existed to serve in Spanish Morocco, it was soon renamed Tercio de Marruecos ("Tercio of Morocco"). By the end of the Rif War it had expanded and again changed its name, to the "Spanish Legion", with several "tercios" as sub-units.The Legion played a major role in the Nationalist forces in the Spanish Civil War. In post-Franco Spain, the modern Legion has undertaken tours of duty in the Yugoslav Wars, Afghanistan, Iraq and Operation Libre Hidalgo UNIFILContents1History1.1Predecessor1.2The Title of Spanish Legion1.3Early campaigns2Modern legion2.1Present role and deployment3Units constituting modern Spanish Legion3.1Special Forces of the Spanish Legion4Ranks5Basic training6Uniforms and equipment of the legion6.1Uniforms6.2Equipment7Esprit de corps7.1Traditions8Anthems and marches of the legion8.1Slow march8.2Regimental quick marches and official anthem9Some notable Legionaries10See also11Notes12External linksThe Spanish Legion was formed by royal decree of King Alfonso XIII on 28 January 1920, with the Minister of War José Villalba Riquelme stating, "With the designation of Foreigners Regiment there will be created an armed military unit, whose recruits, uniform and regulations by which they should be governed will be set by the minister of war." In the 1920s the Spanish Legion's five battalions were filled primarily by native Spaniards (since foreigners were not easy to recruit) with most of its foreign members coming from the Republic of Cuba.Historically there had been a "Spanish Foreign Legion" which preceded the modern Legion's formation in 1920. On 28 June 1835, the French government had decided to hand over to the Spanish government the French Foreign Legion in support of Queen Isabella's claim to the Spanish throne during the First Carlist War. The French Foreign Legion, with around 4,000 men, landed at Tarragona on 17 August 1835. This became the first Spanish Legion until it was dissolved on 8 December 1838, when it had dropped to only 500 men. The British Legion (La Legión Británica) of the Spanish Legion also fought during the First Carlist War. This Legion fought for the fortified bridge of Arrigorriaga on 11 September 1835The Spanish Legion was modelled on the French Foreign Legion. Its purpose was to provide a corps of professional troops to fight in Spain's colonial campaigns in North Africa, in place of conscript units that were proving ineffective. The first commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel José Millán-Astray Terreros, referred to his unit as ‘La Legión’ from the start but this only became part of the unit’s title from 1937.In the original Tercio de Extranjeros there were, amongst others, one Chinese, three Japanese, one Maltese, one Russian, and one black American.However, soon the majority of its members were Spaniards who joined to fight outside of European Spain.Tercio (lit. 'a third') is an old Spanish military term that roughly translates as ‘regiment' (originally it had enough manpower to be considered a half-brigade). In the 18th century tercios were replaced by regiments. There is no equivalent word in English. Dating from the 16th century, the name was chosen to evoke the era of Spain's military supremacy as the leading Catholic power in Europe under the Habsburg Emperors. Organised into tercios in 1534, the Spanish infantry gained a reputation for invincibility.In 1925, the unit title was changed to Tercio de Marruecos (‘The Tercio of Morocco’). This was soon abbreviated to ‘The Tercio’. In 1937 at the height of the Spanish Civil War, the Tercio de Marruecos was renamed La Legion, the name by which it is still known today.The Spanish Legion's first major campaign was in Spanish North Africa. In 1920 Spain was facing a major rebellion in the Protectorate of Spanish Morocco, led by the able Rif leader Abdel Krim. On 2 September 1920, King Alfonso XIII conferred command of the new regiment on Lieutenant Colonel of Infantry José Millán-Astray, chief proponent of its establishment. Millán-Astray was an able soldier but an eccentric and extreme personality. His style and attitude would become part of the mystique of the legion.On 20 September 1920 the first recruit joined the new legion, a date which is now celebrated annually. The initial make-up of the regiment was that of a headquarters unit and three battalions (known as Banderas, lit. "banners"- another archaic 16th century term). Each battalion was in turn made up of a headquarters company, two rifle companies and a machine gun company. The regiment's initial location was at the Cuartel del Rey en Ceuta on the Plaza de Colón. At its height, during the Spanish Civil War, the legion consisted of 18 banderas, plus a tank bandera, an assault engineer bandera and a Special Operations Group. Banderas 12 to 18 were considered independent units and never served as part of the additional tercios into which the legion was organised.Francisco Franco was one of the leaders of the legion and the unit's second-in-command, concurrently commanding the 1st Legion Bandera. The legion fought in Morocco in the War of the Rif (to 1926). Together with the Regulares (Moorish colonial troops), the legion made up the Spanish Army of Africa. In October 1934 units of both the legion and the Regulares were brought to Spain by the Republican Government to help put down a workers revolt in the area of Asturias.Colors of the Spanish Legion.Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Juan Yagüe the Army of Africa played an important part in the Spanish Civil War on the rebel side. The professionalism of both the legion and the Regulares gave Franco's rebel troops a significant initial advantage over the less well trained Spanish Republican forces. The Army of Africa remained an elite spearhead, until the expansion of the rebel armies after April 1937 led to the legion and Moroccan units being distributed across several fronts. Following the Francoist victory in 1939, the legion was reduced in size and returned to its bases in Spanish Morocco. It was only after then that the legion attained its present composition of 4 Tercios, and the names given to them, the 4th Tercio of the legion was established later in 1950:1st Tercio "Great Captain Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba"2nd Tercio "Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alba"3rd Tercio "Don Juan de Austria"4th Tercio "Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma"When Morocco gained its independence in 1956 the legion continued in existence as part of the garrison of the remaining Spanish enclaves and territories in North Africa. The legion fought Arab irregulars in the Ifni War in 1957-58.On 17 June 1970, Legion units opened fire and killed between two and eleven demonstrators at the Zemla neighbourhood in El Aaiun, Spanish Sahara, modern day Western Sahara. The incident, which came known as the Zemla Intifada, had a significant influence on pushing the Sahrawi anticolonial movement into embarking on an armed struggle which continues, though Spain has long since abandoned the territory and handed it over to Morocco.Through the course of the legion's history Spaniards (including natives of the colony of Spanish Guinea) have made up the majority of its members, with foreigners accounting for 25 percent or less. During the Rif War of the 1920s most of the Foreigners serving with the legion were Spanish speaking Latin Americans.In the 2000s, after the abandonment of conscription, the Spanish Legion once again accepted foreigners into service. Male and female native Spanish speakers, mostly from Central American and South American states, were included.Today, acceptance to the Spanish Legion is based on the following criteria:Be a Spanish citizen; although citizens from former Spanish colonies also can join (foreign recruits are required to have a valid Spanish residence permit).Be a citizen in good legal standingNot be deprived of civil rightsBe at least 18 years of age and not be 29 on the day of joining boot camp.Be able to pass psychological, physical and medical evaluationsThe Spanish Legion on the Bastille Day Military Parade in Paris (2007)In recent years, the Spanish Legion was involved in Bosnia as part of the SFOR. It also took part in the Iraq War, deploying in Najaf alongside Salvadoran troops, until the new Spanish government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero fulfilled its electoral promises by withdrawing Spanish troops from Iraq. The legion units deployed in Iraq were involved in several operations against the insurgency. In 2005, the legion was deployed in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led International Stabilisation Force (ISAF). In 2006, the 10th Bandera was sent to Southern Lebanon as part of United Nations' Operation UNIFIL.The Spanish Legion is now mostly used in NATO peacekeeping missions. It has 5,000 soldiers in a Brigade of two Tercios (regiments) based in Ronda, Málaga and Viator, Almería (Andalusia). Two other independent tercios are deployed in the Spanish African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla as part of their respective garrisons. The legion is directly controlled by the Spanish General Staff.Although the detachment at Málaga was transferred away, each year a company of legionaries from one of the Tercios (regiments) returns to march in the Holy Weekprocession with the Christ of the Good Death, a life-size effigy of Christ Crucified, adopted by the legion as Patron in the 1920s. It also has its own confraternity with its home chapel located in this historic city, where veterans who served in this unit are counted among its membership. The Legion's detachments also take part in various Holy Week events nationwide, including its military band.The Legion remains a disciplined elite unit.Legionnaires in Iraq.The currently active units of the Spanish Legion are:II Spanish Legion Brigade "Rey Alfonso XIII" in Viator2nd Spanish Legion Headquarters Bandera2nd Spanish Legion Light Armored Cavalry Group "Reyes Católicos"3rd Spanish Legion Tercio "Don Juan de Austria"VII Spanish Legion Bandera "Valenzuela"VIII Spanish Legion Bandera "Colón"4th Spanish Legion Tercio "Alejandro Farnesio"X Spanish Legion Bandera "Millán Astray"2nd Spanish Legion Field Artillery Group2nd Spanish Legion Engineer Battalion2nd Spanish Legion Logistic GroupIn other commands:1st Spanish Legion Tercio "Gran Capitán"I Spanish Legion Bandera "Comandante Franco"2nd Spanish Legion Tercio "Duque de Alba"IV Spanish Legion Bandera "Cristo de Lepanto"This section needs expansion.You can help by adding to it.(August 2018)The legion used to have a special operations unit known as the Bandera de operaciones especiales de la legión (Legion Special Operations Company or BOEL). The members of this unit, who were volunteers from other banderas of the legion, received training in: SCUBA/Maritime Warfare, Arctic and Mountain Warfare, Sabotage and Demolitions, Parachute and HALO techniques, Long Range Reconnaissance, Counter-terrorism and CQB, Vehicle insertion, Sniping and SERE (Survival, Escape, Resistance and Evasion). Much of the training was undertaken at Fort Bragg (USA). In 2002 the BOEL was renamed 19th Special Operations Group "Maderal Oleaga"(GOE-XIX) and was moved to Alicante. GOE-XIX accepts applicants from other light infantry units and no longer forms part of the legion, nowadays it is subordinated to Special Operations Groups.The military ranks and promotion conditions of the Spanish Legion are the same as those applicable to the remainder of the Spanish Army. Formerly the Legion had its own rank system for non-commissioned officers. The only modern difference is that soldiers (OR-1) in the Legion are referred to as "Caballeros Legionarios" (Legionnaire knights). Legionnaires consider this title as a distinction, earned through rigorous training and initiation tests.Basic training lasts four months and takes place in Cáceres or Cádiz. It includes basic military skills, forced marches and a stringent assault course. After the second month, the recruit signs a 2 or 3-year contract. After finishing basic training the recruit joins one of the tercios, in there he receives further training, mostly focused on parading and legionary tradition. This is the same process as in the rest of units in the Spanish army.This section needs expansion.You can help by adding to it.(August 2018)From its establishment the legion was noted for its plain and simple style of dress, in contrast to the colourful dress uniforms worn by the Peninsular regiments of the Spanish Army until the overthrow of the Monarchy in 1931. This was part of the cult of austerity favoured by a unit that considered itself on more or less continual active service.The modern legion has the same camouflage dress for active service and ordinary duties as the rest of the Spanish Army but retains the unique, sage green Tropical uniform for semi-formal barrack dress and as the basis of Legion parade uniform. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the modern legion uniform is the khaki "gorrillo" cap or "chapiri", with red hanging tassel and piping.Contrary to usual military practice, Legionaries are allowed to sport beards and are permitted to wear their uniforms, both traditional and service, open at the chest.G36-E assault rifle.The basic weapons used by the Legion are the same as those used by the rest of the Spanish Army. These include the G36-E rifle, its 40mm grenade launcher modular attachment the AG36, the HK MG4 and MG42 A3 machine guns, and the HK USP9mm pistol.Like the rest of the Army, the Legion makes use of crew served weapons such as the M2 Browning machine gun and the SB LAG 40 automatic grenade launcher on their armoured vehicles.The Legions field artillery group mans L118 105mm Light Guns, Italian wheeled tank destroyers B1 Centauro also are used.The Legion uses Land Rovers, Spanish-made BMR and VEC-M1, VAMTAC, URO trucks and other vehicles like foreign LMV or RG31.Millán-Astray provided the Legion with a distinctive spirit and symbolism intended to evoke Spain's Imperial and Christian traditions. For instance, the Legion adopted the regimental designation of tercio in memory of the 16th-century Spanish infantry formations that had toppled nations and terrorized the battlefields of Europe in the days of Charles V. Millán-Astray also revived the Spaniards' ancient feud with the Moors and portrayed his men first as crusaders on an extended Reconquista against Islamic civilization, and later as the saviours of Spain warding off the twin evils of Communism and democratic liberalism defeating the dangerous spectre of 'Eastern Atheism'.As a tribute to the old Tercios the Legion coat of arms features, besides the crown, weapons used by the soldiers of these units - the musket, halberd and crossbow.The Legion's customs and traditions include the following:Legionaries on parade.Legionnaires with effigy of Christ of the Good Death, Málaga.Its members, regardless of rank, are titled Caballero Legionario ("Legionary Knight"). When women are admitted, they are titled Dama Legionaria ("Legionary Lady").A "Mística Legionaria" (Legionary Spirit) (condensed in a twelve-point "es:Credo Legionario" -Legionary creed-)[8]Legionaries consider themselves novios de la muerte ("bridegrooms of death"). The nickname is also the title of one of the two official hymns of the Spanish Legion, the other one being La Cancion del Legionario ("The Legionary's Song"). The nickname hails from the first years of the corps, when it only admitted men during those times.When in trouble, a legionary shouts ¡A mí la Legión! ("To me the Legion!"). Those within earshot are bound to help him regardless of the circumstances. In practice, Legionaries are never supposed to abandon a comrade on the battlefield.The legion's march step is faster than the Spanish military standard, being 160-180 steps per minute in contrast to the standard 90 steps per minute.During the Holy Week processions in Málaga, the Legionaries carry on their shoulders the Christ of Good Death on Holy Thursday morning. Later that same afternoon they accompany the procession through the streets of Malaga.Under the command of José Millán-Astray, the legion's motto was ¡Viva la muerte! ("Long live death!")[9] It fell into disuse after the death of Francisco Franco.Mascot of the Spanish Legion (goat)The Legion had several mascots during its history, such as monkeys, chickens, capercaillies, wild boars, barbary sheep(Spanish, arruis), bears or parrots. The modern Legion however has a goat as mascot of the unit. It usually appears at parades, wearing a Legion cap and accompanied by a Legionary, alongside the legion's marker guard (gastadores) at parades and ceremonies, leading the marching troops.While throughout its history the legion has been an essentially infantry force it has also included armoured, artillery and engineer units. During the 1920s and early 1930s a squadron of mounted lanceros (lancers) formed part of the legion and in 1982 a mounted section of the Policia Militar de la Legion was formed to carry the traditional lances and pennants during the Holy Week Procession in Malaga to continue the practice.The Military bands and Bugle bands of the legion continue the musical traditions it has since the 1920s. The buglebands of the Legion, together with the Regulares, are the only such bands in the Spanish Armed Forces to never use the valved bugle but use the plain bugle instead, and together with the Parachute Light Infantry Brigade are the only ones to use the small cornetin or the piccolo bugle, used in ordering commands and leading the bugle band in playing bugle calls, fanfares or marches. The medium cornetin is used by other Spanish Armed Forces branches.Formerly the Legion did its marchpasts in the same way as the rest of the Spanish Armed Forces, today, all officers and the colour guards only do a hand salute and eyes right when marching past. When on the halt and giving full salutes, they only do a hand salute.Foreign nationals to be allowed to join British armyMoD expected to drop residential requirement in bid to solve recruitment crisisSarah Marsh@sloumarshThe MoD will no longer require recruits joining the armed services from Commonwealth countries to have lived in Britain for five years. Photograph: Crown/BBC/Crown/Wild PicturesForeign nationals will be allowed to join the British army despite never having lived in the country, ministers will reveal as part of plans to help stem a worsening recruitment crisis in the armed forces.The Ministry of Defence is expected to announce on Monday that it will no longer require those joining the armed services from Commonwealth countries such as Australia, India, Canada, Kenya and Fiji to have lived in Britain for five years.Under the policy, recruits will be considered for all forces including the Royal Navy and the RAF, with applications opening in early 2019. It is hoped the changes will lead to an extra 1,350 people joining every year. The army will begin the admissions process from early next year, while the navy and RAF will start immediately. Applications from citizens of countries outside the Commonwealth will not be accepted.“Foreign and Commonwealth troops have historically been important and valued sources of recruitment for the British army and I welcome the recruitment limit increase,” Mark Francois, a member of the defence select committee, told the Daily Telegraph, which first published details of the plan.The UK armed forces are short of 8,200 soldiers, sailors and air personnel, a report found earlier this year, the worse shortage since 2010.The government allows 200 Commonwealth citizens who have not lived in Britain for five years to apply, a rule introduced in 2016. But now the cap will be lifted. Special rules already allow citizens of Ireland and Gurkhas from Nepal to join the armed forces.MPs said the move highlighted a crisis in recruitment, taking aim at Capita, the business service provider that runs the army’s recruitment campaign. Francois, who spent a year meeting MoD officials and military personnel, said: “The army is disappearing before our eyes and will continue to do so until Capita are sacked.”A Capita spokesman said it was confident changes it was introducing would deliver “[better] outcomes for candidates and the army”.Concern was also raised in April’s National Audit Office report that there were “much larger shortfalls” in the number of engineers, pilots and intelligence analysts. It said the air force iswas undertaking more missions than it had for a quarter of a century.And a Conservative MP’s report in July 2017 warned that the armed forces were “hollowing out” due to recruitment issues.Francois described factors leading to a recruitment crisis as the “perfect storm”, citing high employment rates and an ageing population as reasons behind a fall in numbers. He also said an increase in obesity and a rising proportion of black, Asian and minority ethnic people – who he said had until now been less likely to apply for military service – were also behind the fall.Francois recommended that attempts be made to attract more black, Asian and minority ethnic recruits, as well as getting more women to join.All roles in UK military to be open to women, Williamson announcesRead moreLast month, it was announced that women would be allowed to apply for all roles in the British military for the first time, including in frontline infantry units and the Royal Marines. New rules mean women will also be able to put themselves forward for selection for specialist units including the SAS and SBS.The defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, made the announcement during a land power demonstration on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.Can Non-U.S. Citizens Join the United States Military?BY STEW SMITHUpdated February 24, 2019Every year, more than 8,000 green card holders but who are non-U.S. citizens join the military. However, recently some policy changes may interfere with the ability for some resident but non-U.S. citizens to join the military, even in a limited (no security clearance) capacity.MAVNI Program - Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest, or MAVNI, enables non-citizens to join the military with such skills as interpreters, certain cultural knowledge, and even medical professionals. However, in 2014 the program was suspended and the current administration is looking to cancel the program altogether.DACA Program - Currently, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may face a new reality in the current administration and could be subject to deportation versus having the ability to work or attend advanced educational opportunities. However, Congress could change direction and allow DACA groups the opportunity to serve in the military.Pathway to Citizenship?There is great interest from all over the world from foreigners wanting to serve in the United States Military. Often, they know it can be a pathway to citizenship, but not always. The two involved branches of government—Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security—do not work together to naturalize citizens. It is the same process for all holders of the green card. However, military members may have an expedited process.There are some steps to be eligible for military service as a non-citizen. Here is a frequently asked question on the topic:Can a Non-U.S. Citizen Join the United States Military?Yes. A non-citizen can enlist in the military. However, federal law prohibits non-citizens from becoming commission or warrant officers.In order for a non-citizen to enlist in the military, they must first be a legal immigrant (with a green card), permanently residing in the United States.The green card is slang for Permanent Resident Card and has a 10-year span before it has to be renewed. The card is issued by the Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security and contains a photo and fingerprint. Years ago the green card was green, but today it looks something like a driver's license.Security Clearance IssuesFederal Law prohibits granting a security clearance to non-citizens. Once you receive your green card, you can go to the U.S. Military recruiter of the branch of service you desire. However, until you are a citizen you are not granted a security clearance so your ability to serve in higher responsibility positions will be denied. Jobs in Intelligence, Nuclear, or Special Ops are limited, however, needed linguists can still assist the military in these fields as translators. But actually becoming, for instance, a Navy SEAL or EOD specialist, is limited to citizens only.Once you become a citizen, you can join these groups and be granted security clearances just like U.S.-born military members."Accelerated" Process to CitizenshipThere is recent history within the United States military to allow military members from foreign countries have an accelerated path to citizenship. This is somewhat true, however, the time to become a citizen is largely due to the Homeland Security Department and their capabilities.The military cannot and will not assist in the immigration process. One must immigrate first, using normal immigration quotas and procedures, and—once they've established an address in the United States—they can find a recruiter's office and apply for enlistment.In 1990, in the early days of Gulf War One, President George H.W. Bush signed an executive order which allowed any military member (active duty, Reserves, or National Guard) to apply for citizenship, without any residency requirement. This saves the military member five years on the civilian applicant for citizenship so when you hear the military help you accelerate the process, this is what that means.Since July 3, 2002, under special provisions in Section 329 of the INA, President Bush signed an executive order authorizing all non-citizens who have served honorably in the U.S. armed forces on or after Sept. 11, 2001, to immediately file for citizenship. This order also covers veterans of certain designated past wars and conflicts. The authorization will remain in effect until a date designated by a future presidential executive order.More Information About U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ServicesSpecial provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) state: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may expedite the application and naturalization process for current members of the U.S. armed forces and recently discharged service members. Qualifying military service includes serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard. In addition, spouses of members of the U.S. armed forces who are or will be deployed may be eligible for expedited naturalization.Other provisions of the law also allow certain spouses to complete the naturalization process abroad.List of militaries that recruit foreignersThis is a List of militaries that recruit foreign applicants. This includes any individuals who are aliens of the state whose armed forces they are being recruited to join by professional recruiters. The foreigners need not be legal residents of that nation, but may gain legal residence status by joining the armed forces.AustraliaAustralian Defence Force - The ADF routinely recruits New Zealand citizens who are Permanent Residents to serve in the military.[1]Permanent residents who can prove they have applied for citizenship. Or permanent residents who are ineligible to apply for Australian citizenship as long as they are prepared to apply for citizenship within 3 months of commencing service (or 6 months if in the ADF Reserve). If permanent residents refuse citizenship or fail in their application, their ADF service will be terminated.Overseas applicants with relevant military experience from allied countries who have significant military experience can apply to join the Armed Forces. A willingness to apply for citizenship is a requirement. In exceptional circumstances, if a position cannot be filled by an Australian Citizen the citizenship requirement may be waived and applications may be accepted from: In certain areas of the defence, especially sensitive work that involves collaboration with ASIO or ASIS, citizenship is a requirement.BahrainThe forces in Bahrain are made up of Sunni foreigners, mainly Arabs and Pakistanis serving within them. This has become a topic of debate; the majority Shia Bahrainis are not happy with foreigners in the positions of power while the native Bahrainis are barred from them.BelgiumBelgian Armed Forces - Any citizen of a country of the European Union within the age of 18 to 34 (33 for officers) is eligible to join the forces.BoliviaForeign nationals resident in Bolivia at conscription age are permitted to join the armed forces, which simplifies their naturalization process.CanadaCanadian Forces - Canadian permanent residents are allowed to serve in the Canadian Forces (CF) as long as the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) decides it would not prejudice the national interest. It is likely that a requirement of CF membership will be to aim to become a Canadian citizen within four years of enrollment (subject to Citizenship and Immigration Canada's (CIC) processing timeframes). Following changes to the Citizenship Act in 2015, there is also now a fast-track citizenship scheme available to current and past CF members, as well as certain prospective members (negating the requirement to become a permanent resident first in the latter case).CyprusCypriot National Guard - Cyprus accepts all foreign nationals of at least partial Cypriot descent as volunteers.DenmarkForeign nationals already living in Denmark or in another EU country may apply to join the Danish armed forces, providing they have lived one year in Denmark if applying within or six years if applying within an EU country. However, they must be fluent in Danish and must be able to write it as wellFranceFrench Foreign Legion - The Legion is a branch of the French Army, which recruits applicants aged 18 to 39.5 from throughout the world.GreeceHellenic Armed Forces - Ethnic Greeks accepted to the military academies for officers or non-commissioned officers of the Greek armed forces (according to the special law governing each school) or who enlist in the armed forces as volunteers (according to the law governing each branch) acquire Greek nationality automatically from the time they enter the academies or are enlisted. Knowledge of Greek language at fluent level is required.IndiaIndian Army - Recruits Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens, and the refugees from Tibet who intend to permanently settle in India. Recruits of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Thailand, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India may also join.[11]IrelandIrish Defence Forces - Nationals of the European Economic Area, which includes member states of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, as well as foreign residents having lived in Ireland for 5 years continuously.IsraelIsrael Defense Forces - Israel recruits non-Israeli Jews—and non-Jews with at least one Jewish grandparent—through the Mahal and Garin Tzabar programs. They also recruit converts to Judaism.LuxembourgLuxembourg Army - Any citizen of a country of the European Union who has resided in Luxembourg for at least 36 months and is at least 18 years old but not yet 24 is eligible to join the army.MonacoCompagnie des Carabiniers du Prince and the Corps des Sapeurs-Pompiers - Recruits Frenchmen, as well as native Monegasques.New ZealandOverseas: A serving member of another military can join the New Zealand Defence Force. The Requirements are to be a current or recently serving (within 6–12 months) member of the UK, Australian, US or Canadian Armed Forces, have been a citizen of either the UK, Australia, US, or Canada for a minimum period of 10 years, or have been living in NZ for a minimum period of 5 years, be eligible for release from current service within 18 months of applying, and meet current vacancy criteria at the time of application.NorwayNorwegian Armed Forces - By agreement between the two countries citizens of Iceland are accepted.RussiaThe Russian Armed Forces accepts foreigners of any country to their ranks. Under a plan, posted on the ministry’s web site in 2010, foreigners without dual citizenship are able to sign up for five-year contracts – and are eligible for Russian citizenship after serving three years. According to the amended law, a citizen of any foreign country aged 18–30 with a good command of Russian and a clean record can sign an initial five-year contract to join the Army.SerbiaSerbian Armed Forces - Serbian Armed Forces recruits citizens of former Yugoslavia, European Union member states and former Soviet republics. Individuals must be 18–30 years old and with a good command of Serbian Language.SpainSpanish Armed Forces - Spain recruits citizens of ex-Spanish colonies (except Puerto Rico and the Philippines). Citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay or Venezuela may enlist in the Spanish Legion (except as submarine personnel) with temporary/permanent residence or acquired Spanish citizenship.SingaporeSingapore has always made use of Gurkhas to help with special military and police roles. During the colonial days, many soldiers were brought to Singapore from other British colonies. Second-generation male permanent residents are bound by Singapore's conscription laws to the same extent Singaporean citizens are, and therefore must do the standard active and reserve service in the military, police, or civil defense force.UkraineIt has been reported that EU, Georgian and Belarusian citizens have been serving in the Ukrainian Ground Forces since the outbreak of the Donbass War.[24]United KingdomBritish Armed Forces - The British Army has continued the historic practice of recruiting Gurkhas from Nepal to serve in special Gurkha units. The Gurkhas are selected and recruited in Nepal, and are expected to keep their Nepali citizenship throughout the length of their service.[25]In 1989 previous restrictions on the enlistment of Commonwealth citizens in the British Armed Forces were lifted, following recruiting difficulties amongst British citizens. Under the new provisions Commonwealth citizens were permitted to enlist directly in any one of the British services and significant numbers did so in subsequent years. From 2013, all Commonwealth citizens except for those from Cyprus, the Republic of Ireland (not a member of the commonwealth) and Malta must have resided for 5 years in the UK before being allowed to join. As of the 23rd of May 2016, some of these restrictions for certain positions requiring residency in the United Kingdom have been lifted for Commonwealth citizens, due to recruiting difficulties.United StatesUnited States Armed Forces - Permanent Residence/Green Card. Many have also served in the war zones and have received US citizenship after a period of service.[28]Citizens of Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands may also join the US armed forces under the Compacts of Free Association, though some officer positions may be restricted.[29]Canadian-born Native Americans/First Nations may also join the US Armed Forces if they are of at least 50% blood quantum.[30]Additionally, under the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program, skilled foreigners such as translators may be recruited as needed, along with, as of September 2014 illegal immigrants with clean records and who have graduated high school if they were brought to the United States as children.[ As of December 2016, MAVNI is under review and closed indefinitely.United Arab EmiratesThere are people from other Arab or nearby Muslim countries, who have served in the UAE, mainly in non-uniformed positions. This was mainly after independence from the UK in 1971, when the UAE government was still evolving. Prior to that, the UK stationed their own troops and equipment in the region (known as the Trucial States)Vatican CityVatican City's sole armed forces, The Swiss Guard, is made up entirely of Swiss Catholics; however, Swiss Guards are granted Vatican citizenship while they serve.Germanyin late 2018 the German minister of defence said that the German government is open to the possibility of opening some official positions to EU skilled citizens.In particular, positions as medical officers and logistic officers are difficult to fill after the abolition of the mandatory military service in 2011. A decision will be taken in 2019.

Start Business: A Step-by-Step GuideTalk to any entrepreneur or small business owner and you'll quickly learn that starting a business requires a lot of work. An idea doesn't become a business without effort.Some budding entrepreneurs understand the effort necessary to create a business, but they might not be familiar with the many steps required to launch a business venture. If you're willing to put in the effort to build a business, you're going to want to know the steps needed to reach your goals.1. Refine your idea.If you're thinking about starting a business, you likely already have an idea of what you want to sell, or at least the market you want to enter. Do a quick search for existing companies in your chosen industry. Learn what current brand leaders are doing and figure out how you can do it better. If you think your business can deliver something other companies don't (or deliver the same thing, only faster and cheaper), you've got a solid idea and are ready to create a business plan.Define your "why.""In the words of Simon Sinek, 'always start with why,'" Glenn Gutek, CEO of Awake Consulting and Coaching, told Business News Daily. "It is good to know why you are launching your business. In this process, it may be wise to differentiate between [whether] the business serves a personal why or a marketplace why. When your why is focused on meeting a need in the marketplace, the scope of your business will always be larger than a business that is designed to serve a personal need."Consider franchising.Another option is to open a franchise of an established company. The concept, brand following and business model are already in place; all you need is a good location and the means to fund your operation.Brainstorm your business name.Regardless of which option you choose, it's vital to understand the reasoning behind your idea. Stephanie Desaulniers, owner of Business by Dezign and former director of operations and women's business programs at Covation Center, cautions entrepreneurs from writing a business plan or brainstorming a business name before nailing down the idea's value.Clarify your target customers.Desaulniers said too often people jump into launching their business without spending time to think about who their customers will be and why would want to buy from them or hire them."You need to clarify why you want to work with these customers – do you have a passion for making people's lives easier," Desaulniers said. "Or enjoy creating art to bring color to their world? Identifying these answers helps clarify your mission. Third, you want to define how you will provide this value to your customers and how to communicate that value in a way that they are willing to pay."During the ideation phase, you need to iron out the major details. If the idea isn't something you're passionate about or if there's not a market for your creation, it might be time to brainstorm other ideas.Key takeaway: To refine your business idea, identify your "why", your target customers and your business name.2. Write a business plan.Once you have your idea in place, you need to ask yourself a few important questions: What is the purpose of your business? Who are you selling to? What are your end goals? How will you finance your startup costs? These questions can be answered in a well-written business plan.A lot of mistakes are made by new businesses rushing into things without pondering these aspects of the business. You need to find your target customer base. Who is going to buy your product or service? If you can't find evidence that there's a demand for your idea, then what would be the point?Conduct market research.Conducting thorough market research on your field and demographics of potential clientele is an important part of crafting a business plan. This involves conducting surveys, holding focus groups, and researching SEO and public data.Market research helps you understand your target customer – their needs, preferences and behavior – as well as your industry and competitors. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recommends gathering demographic information and conducting a competitive analysis to better understand opportunities and limitations within your market.The best small businesses have products or services that are differentiated from the competition. This has a significant impact on your competitive landscape and allows you to convey unique value to potential customers. A guide to conducting market research can be found on our sister site, business.com.Consider an exit strategy.It's also a good idea to consider an exit strategy as you compile your business plan. Generating some idea of how you'll eventually exit the business forces you to look to the future."Too often, new entrepreneurs are so excited about their business and so sure everyone everywhere will be a customer that they give very little, if any, time to show the plan on leaving the business," said Josh Tolley CEO of both Shyft Capital and Kavana."When you board an airplane, what is the first thing they show you? How to get off of it. When you go to a movie, what do they point out before the feature begins to play? Where the exits are. Your first week of kindergarten, they line up all the kids and teach them fire drills to exit the building. Too many times I have witnessed business leaders that don't have three or four pre-determined exit routes. This has led to lower company value and even destroyed family relationships."A business plan helps you figure out where your company is going, how it will overcome any potential difficulties and what you need to sustain it. Check out our full guide to writing a business plan, and when you're ready to put pen to paper, these free templates can help.[See related story: The Best Business Plan Software]Key takeaway: Before writing your business plan, conduct market research and consider your exit strategies.3. Assess your finances.Starting any business has a price, so you need to determine how you're going to cover those costs. Do you have the means to fund your startup, or will you need to borrow money? If you're planning to leave your current job to focus on your business, do you have money put away to support yourself until you make a profit? It's best to find out how much your startup costs will be.Many startups fail because they run out of money before turning a profit. It's never a bad idea to overestimate the amount of startup capital you need, as it can be a while before the business begins to bring in sustainable revenue.Perform a break-even analysis.One way you can determine how much money you need is to perform a break-even analysis. This is an essential element of financial planning that helps business owners determine when their company, product or service will be profitable.The formula is simple.Fixed Costs / (Average Price – Variable Costs) = Break-Even PointEvery entrepreneur should use this formula as a tool because it informs you about the minimum performance your business must achieve to avoid losing money. Furthermore, it helps you understand exactly where your profits come from, so you can set production goals accordingly.Here are the three most common reasons to conduct a break-even analysis:Determine profitability. This is generally every business owner's highest interest. Ask yourself: How much revenue do I need to generate to cover all my expenses? Which products or services turn a profit and which ones are sold at a loss?/Price a product or service. When most people think about pricing, they consider how much their product costs to create and how competitors are pricing their products. Ask yourself: What are the fixed rates, what are the variable costs, and what is the total cost? What is the cost of any physical goods and what is the cost of labor?Analyze the data. What volumes of goods or services do you have to sell to be profitable? Ask yourself: How can I reduce my overall fixed costs? How can I reduce the variable costs per unit? How can I improve sales?Watch your expenses.Don't overspend when starting a business. Understand the types of purchases that make sense for your business and avoid overspending on fancy new equipment that won't help you reach your business goals. Monitor your business expenses to ensure you are staying on track."A lot of startups tend to spend money on unnecessary things," said Jean Paldan, founder and CEO of Rare Form New Media. "We worked with a startup that had two employees but spent a huge amount on office space that would fit 20 people. They also leased a professional high-end printer that was more suited for a team of 100 (it had keycards to track who was printing what and when). Spend as little as possible when you start and only on the things that are essential for the business to grow and be a success. Luxuries can come when you're established."Consider your funding options.Startup capital for your business can come from a variety of means. The best way to acquire funding for your business depends on several factors, including creditworthiness, the amount needed and available options.Business loans. If you need financial assistance, a commercial loan through a bank is a good starting point, although these are often difficult to secure. If you are unable to take out a bank loan, you can apply for a small business loan through the Small Business Administration( SBA) or an alternative lender. [See related story: Best Alternative Small Business Loans]Business grants. Business grants are similar to loans; however, they do not need to be paid back. Business grants are typically very competitive, and come with stipulations that the business must meet to be considered. When trying to secure a small business grant, look for ones that are uniquely specific to your situation. Options include minority-owned business grants, grants for women-owned businesses and government grants.Investors. Startups requiring significant funding upfront may want to bring on an investor. Investors can provide several million dollars or more to a fledgling company, with the expectation that the backers will have a hands-on role in running your business.Crowdfunding. Alternatively, you could launch an equity crowdfunding campaign to raise smaller amounts of money from multiple backers. Crowdfunding has helped numerous companies in recent years, and there are dozens of reliable crowdfunding platforms designed for different types of businesses.You can learn more about each of these capital sources and more in our guide to startup finance options.Editor's note: Looking for a small business loan? Fill out the questionnaire below to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.Choose the right business bank.When choosing the right business bank, size matters. Marcus Anwar, co-founder of OhMy.Canada recommends smaller community banks because they are in tune with the local market conditions and will work with you based on your overall business profile and character."They're unlike big banks that look at your credit score and will be more selective to loan money to small businesses," Anwar said. "Not only that, but small banks want to build a personal relationship with you and ultimately help you if you run into problems and miss a payment. Another good thing about smaller banks is that decisions are made at the branch level, which can be much quicker than big banks where decisions are made at a higher level."Anwar believes that when choosing a bank for your business, you should ask yourself these questions:What is important to me?Do I want to build a close relationship with a bank that's willing to help me in any way possible?Do I want to be just another bank account like big banks will view me as?Ultimately, choosing the right bank for your business comes down to the needs of your business. Writing down your banking needs can help narrow your focus to what you should be looking for. Schedule meetings with various banks and ask questions about how they work with small businesses to find the best bank for your business. [See related story: Business Bank Account Checklist: Documents You'll Need]Key takeaway: Financially, you will want to perform a break-even analysis, consider your expenses and funding options and choose the right bank.4. Determine your legal business structure.Before you can register your company, you need to decide what kind of entity it is. Your business structure legally affects everything from how you file your taxes to your personal liability if something goes wrong.Sole proprietorship. If you own the business entirely by yourself and plan to be responsible for all debts and obligations, you can register for a sole proprietorship. Be warned that this route can directly affect your personal credit.Partnership. Alternatively, a business partnership, as its name implies, means that two or more people are held personally liable as business owners. You don't have to go it alone if you can find a business partner with complementary skills to your own. It's usually a good idea to add someone into the mix to help your business flourish.Corporation. If you want to separate your personal liability from your company's liability, you may want to consider forming one of several types of corporations (e.g., S corporation, C corporation, B corporation). Although each type of corporation is subject to different guidelines, this type of legal structure generally makes a business a separate entity from its owners, and, therefore, corporations can own property, assume liability, pay taxes, enter contracts, sue and be sued like any other individual."Corporations, especially C-corporations, are especially suitable for new businesses that plan on 'going public' or seeking funding from venture capitalists in the near future," said Deryck Jordan, managing attorney at Jordan Counsel.Limited liability company. One of the most common structures for small businesses, however, is the limited liability company (LLC). This hybrid structure has the legal protections of a corporation while allowing for the tax benefits of a partnership.Ultimately, it is up to you to determine which type of entity is best for your current needs and future business goals. It's important to learn about the various legal business structures that are available. If you're struggling to make up your mind, it's not a bad idea to discuss the decision with a business or legal adviser.Key takeaway: Choose a legal structure like a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, or an LLC.5. Register with the government and IRS.You will need to acquire a variety of business licenses before you can legally operate your business. For example, you need to register your business with federal, state and local governments. There are several documents you must prepare before registering.Articles of incorporation and operating agreementsTo become an officially recognized business entity, you must register with the government. Corporations need an "articles of incorporation" document, which includes your business name, business purpose, corporate structure, stock details and other information about your company. Similarly, some LLCs will need to create an operating agreement.Doing Business As (DBA)If you don't have articles of incorporation or an operating agreement, you will need to register your business name, which can be your legal name, a fictitious DBA name (if you are the sole proprietor), or the name you've come up with for your company. You may also want to take steps to trademark your business name for extra legal protection.Most states require that you get a DBA. If you're in a general partnership or a proprietorship operating under a fictitious name, you may need to apply for a DBA certificate. It's best to contact or visit your local county clerk's office and ask about specific requirements and fees. Generally, there is a registration fee involved.Employer Identification Number (EIN)After you register your business, you may need to get an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. While this is not required for sole proprietorships with no employees, you may want to apply for one anyway to keep your personal and business taxes separate, or simply to save yourself the trouble later if you decide to hire someone. The IRS has provided a checklist to determine whether you will require an EIN to run your business. If you do need an EIN, you can register online for free.Income tax formsYou also need to file certain forms to fulfill your federal and state income tax obligations. The forms you need are determined by your business structure. A complete list of the forms each type of entity will need can be found on SBA's website. You will need to check your state's website for information on state-specific and local tax obligations."You might be tempted to wing it with a PayPal account and social media platform, but if you start with a proper foundation, your business will have fewer hiccups to worry about in the long run," said Natalie Pierre-Louis, licensed attorney and owner of NPL Consulting.Federal, state, and local licenses and permitsSome businesses may also require federal, state or local licenses and permits to operate. The best place to obtain a business license is at your local city hall. You can then use the SBA's database to search for licensing requirements by state and business type.Businesses and independent contractors in certain trades are required to carry professional licenses. One example of a professional business license is a commercial driver's license (CDL). Individuals with a CDL are allowed to operate certain types of vehicles, such as buses, tank trucks and tractor-trailers. A CDL is divided into three classes: Class A, Class B and Class C.You should also check with your city and state to find out if you need a seller's permit that authorizes your business to collect sales tax from your customers. A seller's permit goes by numerous names, including resale permit, resell permit, permit license, reseller permit, resale ID, state tax ID number, reseller number, reseller license permit or certificate of authority.It's important to note that these requirements and names vary from state to state. You can register for a seller's permit through the state government website of the state(s) you're doing business in.Jordan says that not all businesses need to collect sales tax (or obtain a seller's permit)."For example, New York sales tax generally is not required for the sale of most services (such as professional services, education, and capital improvements to real estate), medicine or food for home consumption," Jordan said. "So, for example, if your business only sells medicine, you do not need a New York seller's permit. But New York sales tax must be collected in conjunction with the sale of new tangible personal goods, utilities, telephone service, hotel stays, and food and beverages (in restaurants)."Key takeaway: Register key documents like articles of incorporation or an operating agreement, a DBA, an EIN, income tax forms and other applicable licenses and permits.6. Purchase an insurance policy.It might slip your mind as something you'll "get around to" eventually, but purchasing the right insurance for your business is an important step that should happen before you officially launch.